The Calabash Tales by Penny P. Abrams

ISBN:  978-1-4349-1169-8

About the book:  The Calabash Tales is the story of an exciting time in the young life of Greenie the iguana. During his first visit to a nearby beach, Greenie also experiences his first hurricane. With the help of Old Fred, his wise iguana companion, and the other animals in the community, Greenie builds a shelter to weather the storm. Though the hurricane is destructive to the landscape, it also helps Greenie meet new friends and discover the true meaning of family.

My thoughts:  The Calabash Tales follows a young iguana as he ventures from his home to discover new worlds - the world of the beach.  He learns that he can swim and does so in the ocean.  He learns to survive during a hurricane by making preparations for survival.  He learns that there are others in the world different from himself and with different attitudes.  He learns to be kind.  He also learns that families are made of those who care for one another.

For a "picture" book the text is lengthy.  It has chapter divisions and can be read to a young pre-reader or may be read as an early chapter book by a child with strong vocabulary.  The story provides an opportunity for a child to learn some facts about iguanas and preparation and survival during a hurricane.

About the author:  Penny P. Abrams moved to the Virgin Islands with her husband where they lived for 20 years after raising their family. While there, she made many friends including an iguana who sat on her foot as she read on the beach and then swam with her when she went into the water. When Ms. Abrams' grandchildren visited, they would collect bags of hibiscus blossoms to feed the big, old iguanas who lived at nearby Limetree Beach. Now living in Southwest Florida she seldom sees iguanas but does live in a bird preserve. She has another book, An Other Time, which may be purchased on her website, PennyPAbramssupportprose.com.

About the Illustrator:  Millicent Nigrosh known professionally as "Mikki" is a well known artist working in multiple art forms, including sculpting, painting, and photography as well as jewelry design and manufacture. Her work as a silversmith and goldsmith has been sold nation wide as well as her fabric designs and paintings. Her success as a book illustrator has earned her name in the Library of Congress.
DISCLOSURE:  I was provided a complimentary copy of     The Calabash Talesn by Dorrance Publishers so that I could render an honest review.  Opinions expressed are my own.  The book may be purchased at:  http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?dorrance+7XZRvv+index.html 

"Travelers Rest" by Ann Tatlock: Book Review

ISBN:  978-0-7642-0810-2
$14.99

This is a story of lives intertwined in unusual ways and the interactions and emotional turmoil of shattered lives, gut wrenching decisions, social injustices, tragedies of war, and journey to faith.  It is a story of coping with severe handicaps and facing the emotion and physical toil those handicaps place on the individual as well as those in their emotional circle.

Seth and Jane are the young couple about which this story is basically written.  But the journey they are taking is not the one which they had planned so excitedly prior to Seth's deployment to the battlefield.  He has returned home physically and emotionally  a broken man.  Jane is determined to marry him as planned and care for him.  Seth, realistically, says, "No." 

Other players on the stage of this journey-play, are Truman, a retired doctor who grew up in the old Jim Crow South as a black man; and John Paul, who is a young attorney who plays the piano beautifully and who faces his difficulties with grace.  (Watch out for the piano player!)

There are really three stories being played out here; and as I said, they are tightly intertwined.  But understanding the title requires  getting into the story a bit - Travelers Rest.  You see, they are all journeying through life and it is a true journey.  When you travel you must rest.  But rest is hard to come by sometimes.

In the book Travelers Rest is actually a town.  The characters have connections to the town and to each other that are revealed as the story progresses.  Let's just say, that rest for the travelers is ultimately found in Travelers Rest

This is a first read for me of Ann Tatlock's works.  I found it enjoyable in writing style and plot.  I did find it somewhat emotionally draining because of the heavy burdens the characters faced and no hope of recourse.  But I did find rest in the composure and grace of Truman and John Paul.

I encourage you to get a copy and read Travelers Rest.

About the author:  Ann Tatlock is the author of the Christy Award-winning novel All the Way Home. She has also won the Midwest Independent Publishers Association "Book of the Year" in fiction for both All the Way Home and I'll Watch the Moon. Her novel Things We Once Held Dear received a starred review from Library Journal and Publishers Weekly calls her "one of Christian fiction's better wordsmiths, and her lovely prose reminds readers why it is a joy to savor her stories." Ann lives with her husband and daughter in Asheville, North Carolina. Visit www.anntatlock.com

DISCLOSURE:  I was provided a complimentary copy of Travelers Rest by Bethany House a Division of Baker Publishing Group on behalf of the author, Ann Tatlock,  in order to render my honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

"Dolphin Baby!" by Nicola Davies & Illustrated by Brita Granstrom: Book Review & Giveaway

This is the second book I've reviewed written by Nicola Davies.  See "Just Ducks." As with "Just Ducks" Ms. Davies has included snippets of factual information tucked onto the pages of Brita Granstrom's beautiful and artful illustrations.  Such as.....

Dolphins are mammals like you and  me, so although they live all their lives in the sea, they must come to the surface to breathe air.

Children ages 3 to 8 will enjoy this beautifully told and illustrated story of the birth and development of a dolphin baby.  The illustrations gently, beautifully, and with bold strokes illustrate the sea world of the dolphin and will draw the child into an appreciation for art.  Isn't it grand when we learn to appreciate something fine without even being told we're being taught?

Baby dolphin is born tail first and immediately swims to the surface to breath.  Then the baby dolphin hangs tight with his mother nursing, being fed fish by mother, and learning the special whistles with which dolphins communicate.  He learns his own name which is a special whistle that is all his very own.  The story of baby dolphin's development is told with brief sentences on each double page spread which artfully illustrates that particular developmental stage.  The front and end pages, double spreads, are beautiful depictions of the coastal area where dolphins live.  The book concludes with an afterword about species with a reminder that one must take care of our oceans to ensure dolphin survival.

I recommend this delightful book for the home library, public and school libraries or for gifting to that special child on your list.  Dolphin Baby! is a Junior Library guild Selection.

GIVEAWAY:  Candlewick Press will mail 1 of Chat With Vera's readers their very own copy of  DOLPHIN BABY!. Open USA only.  Easy entries:  Begins JULY 27 and ENDS August 12 at 12:00 Noon EDT.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me what child or children you would enjoy reading this book with.  Leave a comment with your email contact information.

Extra entry:  Tweet this post using the Tweet button at the end of the post and include the following: @Candlewick #GIVEAWAY.  Leave a comment with the Tweet link and your email contact information.  You may do this DAILY for more entries.

Extra entry:  Share this post on other social media and backlink to this post.  Leave your social media share URL or link information in a comment.  Leave your email contact information, too.
Extra entry:  "Follow" Chat With Vera via at least one of the options in right sidebar: networked blogs, GFC, or email subscriber.  Leave A comment with email saying which you have done.  (Already follow? Just say so with your name)

DISCLOSURE:  I was provided a complimentary copy of Dolphin Baby! in order to render a review with my honest opinion.  I was not required to give a positive review. 

• ISBN-13: 9780763655488
• Publisher: Candlewick Press
• Publication: 4/10/2012

"Arthur's Dream Boat" by Polly Dunbar: Book Review & Giveaway

ISBN:  9780763658670
$15.99

When you first pick up this children's picture book, you are immediately impressed with the soft, intuitively gentle art that is done using various mediums.  The colors speak loudly of dreamy, amazing, childhood - blues, reds, greens basic browns and black but overtly soft.

When Arthur awakens, he has had a dream of a small boat it is green and pink and has a sail.  No one listens when he tells of his amazing dream.  He keeps on trying to gain their attention, but they are so busy and are not listening to him.  Yet on his head is perched the boat from his dream and it is amazing.  It keeps getting added to - polka dots on the sail, stripes on the mast, a gold flag, a figurehead. And it is growing!

Arthur shouts, "Listen to me," and at that time, Arthur and the sea catch their attention. 

This is a dreamy tale of exaggeration and of a boy who has a dream and whose telling of the dream grows with the telling.  The lively and whimsical illustrations are a delight to behold and tell the story from start to finish with beauty and boldness.  Though the art is bold, it is also soft like a child and will appeal wonderfully to the child in your life as you read about Arthur's amazing dream!

GIVEAWAY:  Candlewick Press will mail 1 of Chat With Vera's readers their very own copy of ARTHUR'S DREAM BOAT. Open USA only.  Easy entries:  Begins JULY 24 and ENDS August 10 at 12:00 Noon EDT.

Enter using ALL the choices or as few as you wish.  The choice is yours - but the more you enter, the greater the possibility that you will be chosen as winner. 
Winner chosen using www.random.org.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me what child or children you would enjoy reading this book with.  Leave a comment with your email contact information.

Extra entry:  Tweet this post using the Tweet button at the end of the post and include the following: @Candlewick #GIVEAWAY.  Leave a comment with the Tweet link and your email contact information.  You may do this one DAILY for more entries.

Extra entry:  Share this post on other social media and backlink to this post.  Leave your social media share URL or link information in a comment.  Leave your email contact information, too.
Extra entry:  Visit Candlewick's Facebook Page, like it, leave a comment saying, "I am visiting from http://ChatWithVera.blogspot.com." Leave a comment with email here on this post saying you have done so.

Extra entry:  "Follow" Chat With Vera via at least one of the options in right sidebar: networked blogs, GFC, or email subscriber.  Leave comment with email saying which you have done.  (Already follow? Just say so with your name)

About the author/illustrator:  In addition to creating children's books, Polly Dunbar works as a freelance illustrator in London.  Polly Dunbar is the award-winning author-illustrator of Penguin and Dog Blue, as well as the Tilly and Friends series. She is also the illustrator of Here's a Little Poem by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters, My Dad's a Birdman by David Almond, and Shoe Baby, written by her mother, Joyce Dunbar. Polly Dunbar lives and works in Brighton, England.

DISCLOSURE:  I received a complimentary copy of Arthur's Dream Boat from Candlewick Press in order to render a review.  Opinions expressed are my own.  The Giveaway copy for one of Chat With Vera's readers is also provided by Candlewick Press.

"Broken Ladders" by Michelle Isenhoff (Divided Decade Triology)

My thoughts: Michelle Isenhoff brings us book 2 in the Divided Decade Trilogy.  Book 1 was The Candle Star.  Click here to read my review.  In "Broken Ladders" Ms. Isenhoff  introduces us to the Wallace family in Wayland, Michigan - not quite the wilderness it once was but still a fast-filling frontier.  The Civil War has not actually come to their back yard, but it is impacting their family, their farm, and their town drastically.  Hannah Wallace, the 12-year-old daughter of the house, moans the fact that her Pa and older brother have left to fight.  This leaves Hannah's mother, her older brother Joel, and her younger brother Justin, and herself to fight the daily battles of running the farm alone.

There is a loan that Pa has taken out on the farm in order to have seed and other items needed.  It must be paid.  But Hannah doesn't want to stay and farm.  She wants to be a boy and be able to fight.  But there aren't many dangers around which leaves Hannah's fertile imagination to run rampant along with that of Justin and her friend, Wes.  Every free opportunity they, as children are wont to do, run off and fight their pretend war against the South.

The battle is not always on the battleground or field.  It is very often fought in the homes and on the farms.  That is the case here.  No shots are fired.  No lives lost.  But they are fighting a mighty battle.  To save the farm.  The determination of Hannah, Joel, and Justin to do just this is inspiring and telling of the character of the pioneers of this great country that is the United States of America.

One of my daughters is a special education teacher and has taught middle and high school students.  Here are some comments regarding this author's writing and this book which she shared with me:

1. The author has beautiful use of figurative language.
2. Children can relate to the dialogue of these lively characters.
3. Parents will love the liberal sprinkling of historical facts throughout the books.

Another book by Michelle Isenhoff that I have reviewed is The Color of Freedom.  Click here to read this review of an exceptional book!

The author's books are written for the 9 to 15 year old market and she promises adventure.  She also promises to protect the innocence of children in her writing. 

"Out of the Nursery" Written & Illustrated by Elizabeth Gauthier

Frog Legs Ink an imprint of Gauthier Publications donated Out of the Nursery to the school library...

ISBN:  978-0-9820812-0-4

Ever heard a spin on Mother Goose or other nursery rhymes?  Well, that is just what "Out of the Nursery" is.  This looks like a young child's picture book, but when you look into it and begin reading, there are satirical takes or spins on old stories and rhymes.  The book is creatively illustrated inside using totally black background and white lines.  The medium of creation to design these pages is "scratch board."  Rather unique for a child's book, but definitely appealing because this is a medium that children learn to use in school for their own artistic endeavors. 

The cover is a beautiful water color that captures the essence of the book. Have your children match up each image on the cover with the page it relates to in the book.

Now what's inside?  As you read the following, keep in mind "Hickory, Dickory, Dock, the mouse ran up the clock."

Tic tock ...tick tock,

What's wrong with the clock?

I saw the mouse run inside,

From the cat he tried to hide.

He went in at precisely one,

Just as the chiming had begun.

Now the ringing just won't stop.

I think the mouse is stuck up top.

Tick tock ... tick tock,

Can't someone fix the clock?

While the book is to be read to the young child who will enjoy the words that tell each story in rhyme and the delightful pictures, I think middle school students through adults can enjoy it, too.  I envision the older audience really picking through these rhymes to compare and understand their significance.  That is, if the author intended anything other than pure enjoyment.

Last word. . . . Hilarious text to tickle you and original and very creative art to illustrate.
DISCLOSURE:  Out of the Nursery by Elizabeth Gauthier was donated to the school library by Gauthier Publications on behalf of  www.FrogLegsInk.com and the author Elizabeth Gauthier.  Much appreciation to them for this kind donation.  Opinions expressed are my own honest opinion.

"The Cycling Wangdoos" Written and Illustrated by Kelly Pulley

I have a son who is a cyclist and has been for many, many years.  He even participated in the 100 mile race to the summit of the tallest mountain in North Carolina - Mt. Mitchell.  I also have a daughter who loves to swim, run, and cycle (a tri-athlete).  Well, this book is about cycling and a family that cycles.

ISBN: 978-0-9820812-1--1 $16.95

Kelly Pulley has written a rhyming story about teamwork and pulling together illustrating it vividly with pictures of the family/team that are so funny and that completely express what the characters are experiencing and who they are.  Basically speaking, the storyline tells that if  one member of the team quits working as a member of the team, it affects the attitude of each of the other team members until finally the team fails and they all suffer the consequences.Ykes!  In the case of cycling, the consequences can be rough!

The rhyming cadence is very good but seems to miss a beat here and there.  Still very good.  I absolutely love picture books with a storyline that has rhyme and reason and rhythm to it (not really the 3'rs but a good 3'rs).  Kids will totally see the value of teamwork after reading this.

A very good read-aloud book for children ages 3 to 10.  But kids ages 7 to 10 will enjoy reading it aloud themselves.  I can see kids of this age really enjoying it, BUT for kids from a family of cyclists, I think the interest would be tremendous.

The Cycling Wangdoos by Kelly Pulley was donated to the school library by Gauthier Publications on behalf of  www.FrogLegsInk.com and the author Kelly Pulley.  Much appreciation to them for this kind donation.

Balance Bar Gold S'mores Celebrates National S'mores Day with Great Giveaway ENDED-WINNER CHOSEN

National S'mores Day:  August 10th - but why wait until then to celebrate????

History of S'mores:  There are no documented records of the history of the warm, gooey, chocolat'y  campfire treat, it is believed they were invented at a Girl Scout camp and the directions to create S'mores were published in the 1927 "Girl Scout Handbook. 

Most of us can't gather around a campfire roasting graham crackers with marshmallows and chocolate smacked between them.  Most of us can not indulge in the caloric and sugary impact of an authentic S'mores on our diets and on our bodies.

We strive to maintain a balance of carbs, proteins, and other nutritional values in our bodies to keep them performing as they should.  Well, the good folks at Balance Bar have created an absolutely delicious bar that they call their "gold" bar and this one is a "s'mores."  Don't you just love the thought of biting into it's crunchy, milk chocolate goodness that packs a powerful punch nutritionally for you?  Well, your hankering for a s'mores can now be taken care of with this tasty snack treat.

Now the delicious campfire treat you love is available as a nutritious energy bar. A crunchy layer of graham cracker is topped with a light marshmallow filling and coated with scrumptious milk chocolate to complete this delicious new S'mores Balance Bar.

 

Nutrition at a Glance:  View Full S'mores Balance Bar Nutrition Facts

Oh my!  Doesn't that look good?

14g Protein

200 Calories

Balanced 40-30-30 Nutrition

Excellent Source of Antioxidants & Vitamin D

23 Vitamins & Minerals

GIVEAWAY:  My friends at Balance Bar will send one of Chat With Vera's readers one 15-count box of Balance Bar S’mores and a large canvas Balance Bar zippered tote measuring 19 ½” x 16” (see picture). The value of the prize is $48. Just another way they are helping us keep our lives in balance.

“One winner per household, email address or home address. If you have won this prize on another blog you are ineligible to win again."

GIVEAWAY BEGINS JULY 19 - ENDS 12 Noon EDT JULY 30.  Winner must provide address and phone (U.S. only) by Noon EDT, Monday, July 31st.

You MUST include your email contact information so we can contact you if you win.  Winner must claim prize within 24 hours or new winner will be chosen.  Open to USA-BASED-WINNER-ONLY. Winner will be chosen using random.org.

• Mandatory entry:  Visit the Balance Bar website and peek at the great products they have.  Leave a comment here about 1) what other product appeals to you, and 2) what you like about the Balance Bar Gold S'mores. (don't forget email address in comment)
  
• Extra entry:  Tweet this post (see Twitter icon below) with hash tags  #giveaway  @BalanceBar. Repeat DAILY for more entries. Leave Tweet URL in comment with your email info.
  
• Extra entry:  Share on other social media - Facebook, +Google, etc. with link to this post.  Leave separate comment here about where you shared (with link & email).  Each comment counts as an entry.

DISCLOSURE:  I was provided the box of 15 Balance Bar Gold S'mores and tote bag in exchange for my honest opinion by the Balance Bar product company.  There was no requirement that I post a favorable review.  The winner's package is also provided by Balance Bar Gold S'mores at no cost.

To get a one-dollar Balance Bar coupon,
go to www.Balance.com and
click on ‘Get a Valuable Coupon.'

"Ten Unusual Features of Lulu McDunn" written & illustrated by Kelly Pulley. ISBN: 978-0-9820812-7-3

Frog Legs Ink an imprint of Gauthier Publication has donated 3 children's picture books to our school's library.  I will be writing a review on each here at Chat With Vera and then taking them to the library to be shelved. 

The adorable book, "Ten Unusual Features of Lulu McDunn" is written in rhyming verse that will tickle you and warm your heart.  The story teaches children that they should celebrate the ways that they as individuals are unique. Being different can be put into perspective as children learn about themselves.

Said Lulu,

"I see all the good things I've got,

and I choose not to look

at the things I have not.

Having non-matching eyes

doesn't matter to me.

What matters is that

I have two and not three."

Lulu is definitely a unique individual and at the end of the book she ends up saying .....

Said Lulu, "I'm happy with what I've been blessed.

Each part that I have has its place with the rest.

When the parts are all placed in the place each should be

the sum of the parts all together is me!"

Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Crackers Product Review & Giveaway-WINNER CHOSEN

Want some crisp and crunchy crackers?  You're gluten intolerant?  Well, now Crunchmaster has created an assortment of crackers that you can snack on to your heart's content!  You don't have to have a problem with gluten to enjoy these, though.  They are so good and tasty.  My husband and I can fully attest to that!

The good folks at CrunchMaster sent me samples of the White Cheddar, the Original Multi-Seed, and the Roasted Vegetable.   Of the three samples, I believe my "most-favorite" is the vegetable.  It has a delicious veggie "nip" but is not overpowering.  I literally could scarf down a whole bag, but then I must be realistic and limit myself (and my waistline) to one serving at a time.

The White Cheddar has a very subtle cheese flavor that is not at all artificial or overpowering.  Thoroughly enjoyed these.

The Original Multi-Seed were so good and grainy and nutty tasting (not the texture, folks - that was superb). You could just taste the wholesome goodness of these crackers.

Now my dear husband and I have "had a lively discussion" because he ate almost the whole bag of White Cheddar crackers at a sitting.  I realize they are not huge bags, but that was too much and - face it!!! - he ate MY crackers.  Well, I think that really tells you something doesn't it?  It says, "These are really, really good!!"    

Now just a bit about the nutritional value of CrunchMaster Crackers: They are only made with all natural ingredients like pure, California grown rice, sesame, quinoa, amaranth, and flax seeds.  Certified 100% Gluten Free! AND.... Five of the CrunchMaster items are certified Non-GMO.   Be sure you visit the home site of CrunchMaster to learn all that this product has to offer and why it is so good and good for you. 
They are....

• Certified Gluten Free
• Saturated Fat Free
• Great source of fiber
• Cholesterol Free
  

Places where you can find CrunchMaster:
BJ's Wholesale is now distributing our 20 oz Crunchmaster Original Multi-Grain Crackers in all stores!  Walmart, Sam's Club, Harris Teeter, Kroger - just to name a few.

GIVEAWAY:  Crunchmaster is sponsoring a giveaway to one of Chat With Vera's readers in the U.S. that you may enter, and you could possibly be the winner of a prize which would consist of a 6-pack prize of a variety of bags of CrunchMaster Crackers  Begins July 18  and ENDS August 5 at 12 Noon EDT.

Mandatory entry: Leave a comment telling me "What is your 'most favorite' way to eat crunchy crackers - straight out of the package, slathered with a spread of some sort, with soup, topped with veggies/cheese/pickles/whatever."  Also leave your email.  I can't contact you if you're the winner unless you do this.
Extra entry:  Hit that Tweet button at the end of this post and leave a Twitter message about this Crunchmaster giveaway and include "I just entered ... @luvcrunchmaster #giveaway #Glutenfree."  Then return to this post and leave your entry comment with the Tweet link.  Don't forget that email address. Daily Tweets count as more entries (leave that comment).
Extra entry:  Visit the home site of CrunchMaster and pick out some bit of information you find really interesting and come back here and leave a comment about it. Don't forget the email address.
Extra entry:  Let's get social!  Go to Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/crunchmaster and "like" them and leave a comment that you found them via Chat With Vera.  Come back here and leave another comment saying you did it with your FB "name."  Easy peasy!  Lots of ways to enter.

Thank you for visiting Chat With Vera. Come back again!

DISCLOSURE:  CrunchMaster provided 3 sample bags of crackers for me to review and render my honest opinion.  All opinions expressed are my own.  No compensation was given for this post.

Love Finds You in Mackinac Island Michigan by Melanie Dobson: Kindle Giveaway by Melanie + Book Review & GIVEAWAY by Vera (Winner Chosen in book giveaway)

About the book: As the Gilded Age comes to a close, Elena Bissette's once-wealthy family has nearly lost its fortune. The Bissettes still own a home on fashionable Mackinac Island, where they will spend one last summer in the hope of introducing Elena to a wealthy suitor. But Elena is repulsed by the idea of marrying for money.

Quickly tiring of the extravagant balls, Elena spends most evenings escaping back into Mackinac's rugged forest. There she meets Chase, a handsome laborer who shares her love for the night sky. The two begin to meet in secret at an abandoned lighthouse, where they work together to solve a mystery buried in the pages of a tattered diary.

As Elena falls in love with Chase, her mother relentlessly contrives to introduce her to Chester Darrington, the island's most eligible bachelor. Marriage to the elusive millionaire would solve the Bissettes' financial woes, and Elena is torn between duty and love.

My thoughts:  Get ready for a trip back to the Gilded Age when ladies were ladies and did not deviate from their ordained positions.  Get ready to see the snobbery of monied class amongst themselves and most definitely toward the masses of those not so fortunate as to have expendable fortunes.

Travel back to a time and era when life was gentle, slower, and gracious.  But also journey into a world when marriages were made solely for the purpose of ensuring class and fortune it's rightful place.

Elena is a beautiful, gracious, obedient daughter whose family fortune has nearly completely vanished and who is on the cusp of losing everything.  Elena is an only child and it is up to her to marry into money to save the family. 

Chester is the man of the hour and the eligible bachelor whom every mother is trying to marry their daughter to.  Elena's mother is trying desperately to have Elena and Chester meet in the right circumstances that present Elena as the optimum lady for Chester to marry.

As obedient as Elena is to the plight that she faces in order to save hr family, she is also an entirely different person than anyone seems to know.  Elena loves to escape at night into the beauty of God's creation and enjoy the wonder of Creation - especially the creation of God's stars.

One such evening adventure takes her to her favorite escape hideaway - the lighthouse.  While there, another arrives.  A man named Chase who doesn't frighten her and who is somewhat aloof. You see, he, too enjoys God's creation and especially the stars.  Elena and Chase develop a tentative, innocent relationship that exists only at the lighthouse. 

The beauty and quaint atmosphere of Mackinac Island in Michigan is beautifully described by Dobson as she unfolds the character of the lovely Elena and the pragmatic Chase.

A shattering episode explodes and disrupts it all, each heart breaks, and they go different directions.  Then more sorrow comes Elena's way.  Can it all be resolved?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BOOK GIVEAWAY ONLY HERE AT CHAT WITH VERA: Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the author and publisher will mail 1 of Chat With Vera's readers their very own copy of Love Finds You in Mackinac Island Michigan.  Open for USA only.  Easy entries:  Begins July 18 and ENDS August 8 at 12:00 Noon EDT.

Mandatory Entry: Either enter another of my giveaways OR leave a comment on another of my blog posts.  Leave a comment with your email contact information telling me which you have done here on this blog post.

Extra entry:  Tweet this post about Love Finds You in Mackinac Island Michigan using the Tweet button at the end of the post and include the following: @Litfuse  #GIVEAWAY.  Leave a comment with the Tweet link and your email contact information.  You may do this one daily for more entries.

Extra entry:  Share this post on other social media and backlink to this post.  Leave your social media share URL or link information in a comment.  Leave your email contact information, too.  Every different social media you share on counts as a separate entry.
Extra entry:  "Follow" Chat With Vera via at least one of the options in right sidebar: networked blogs, GFC, or email subscriber.  Leave comment with email saying which you have done.  (Already follow? Just say so with your name)

About the author:  Melanie Dobson has written ten contemporary and historical novels including five releases in Summerside's Love Finds You series. In 2011, two of her releases won Carol Awards: Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa (for historical romance) and The Silent Order (for romantic suspense).

Melanie received her undergraduate degree in journalism from Liberty University and her master's degree in communication from Regent University. Prior to her writing career, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family and a publicist for The Family Channel. She later launched her own public relations company and worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for more than fifteen years.

For more about Melanie Dobson and her books, visit www.melaniedobson.com.

DISCLOSURE:  I was provided a complimentary copy for the purpose of rendering an honest review from the good folks at Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the publisher and the author.  Litfuse is also providing a free copy to a reader of Chat With Vera in the giveaway.  I was not reimbursed monetarily for this review. 

"Inescapable" by Nancy Mehl: Book Review & GIVEAWAY ENDED-WINNER CHOSEN

In stores July 2012

Inescapable is a contemporary novel set in the middle of an obscure Kansas  Mennonite community of Kingdom.  So obscure that people in the region barely realize it is set in the woods at the end of the narrow trail.  Lizzie Engle is the daughter of the unbearably strict elder in the Mennonite church that governs all of activity and peoples of Kingdom.

As a teen, Lizzie feeling unloved falls for the sweet words of a man and became pregnant.  Life was hard at home prior to this, but being the pregnant daughter of the elder held untold terrors in family life for the wayward girl.  She moves to an unknown destination and makes a life for herself and her young child, Charity.  Circumstances arise that cause Lizzie to return to Kingdom in hope that she will find refuge and safety.

You will fall in love with Charity who is a sweet, innocent, loving little girl free of guile and full of trust.  Charity is looking for a Prince and she thinks she has found one.  Enter the scene, Noah Housler, a childhood friend  of Lizzie's who still cares.

Lizzie is receiving threatening notes.  An unknown man seems to be stalking her.  She fears her father. She faces an unknown future repleat with financial insecurities.  But she discovers that she does have friends and supporters in Kingdom.  She faces decisions - decision of whom to trust, decision of should she flee again, decision of where to place her faith.

Struggles within the church are being faced by the community as well as struggles within individuals who are facing personal issues themselves.

This is an interesting book and author, Nancy Mehl, has given a face to a branch of the Mennonite believers that I did not know existed.  I knew Mennonites were peace loving, non-violent folks.  I knew they held to a strict separatist form of church.  But this story presented a very ridged isolationist church community. 

GIVEAWAY:  Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the author and publisher will mail 1 of Chat With Vera's readers their very own copy of Inescapable.  Open for USA only.  Easy entries:  Begins JULY 11 and ENDS July 31 at 12:00 Noon EDT.

Mandatory Entry: Either enter another of my giveaways OR leave a comment on another of my blog posts.  Leave a comment with your email contact information telling me which you have done here on this blog post.

Extra entry:  Tweet this post using the Tweet button at the end of the post and include the following: @Litfuse  #GIVEAWAY.  Leave a comment with the Tweet link and your email contact information.  You may do this one daily for more entries.

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About the author:  Nancy Mehl, the author of 12 books, received an ACFW Carol Award in 2009 for her novel For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW and RWA. She writes from her home in Wichita, Kansas. Visit her website at www.nancymehl.com.

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DISCLOSURE:  I was provided a complimentary copy of Inescapable by Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of Bethany House Publishers and the author, Nancy Mehl, in order to render my honest review.     

Jackson: The Iron-Willed Commander by Paul Vickery (The Generals Series)-Book Review

Life for the young Andrew Jackson was not easy.  Life was hard for most people during this time period, but especially for poor Irish immigrants carving out a place in a new world.  Andrew Jackson lost both father and mother and was orphaned early.  By the age of 13 he was with the military. 

He was impulsive and quick to exercise the common means of setting disputes for his time - dueling.  Chronically ill and slight of frame throughout his life, he endured various illnesses, wounds, deprivations, and hardships as he forged ahead in his quest to succeed.  His goal - the settlement of America. With a high sense of nationalism and impassioned as a commander of the military, he was a strong leader in the growing nation and its struggle to expand its borders.  He commanded the Tennessee militia in the War of 1812, led the struggle of the young nation in the bloody Creek Indian conflict, and other battles in the areas now known as Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama.  

Jackson was known to friend and foe by two names - "Old Hickory" and "Long Knife."  He earned them by his determined hard leadership and his ability to strike with force the enemy.

The Indians, the French, the Spanish, and the British were all opponents in Andrew Jackson's journey to grow a great nation.  As an Indian fighter, Long Knife (Jackson) was unequaled and greatly respected and feared.  As a general, his strong decisions, courage, and firm leadership moved the army forward to victory and Jackson closer to the White House.

His wife of many years was the beloved Rachel whom he loved until the day he died.  She was in an abusive marriage when Andrew Jackson began to love her.  Though Andrew Jackson and Rachel married after her divorce, there was no scandal involving Jackson.

In 1828, Andrew Jackson became the seventh President of the United States of America. 

Paul Vickey has written a short, yet thorough biography revealing much about the boy, the man, the politician, the general, and the President that was Andrew Jackson.  The book is a good read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves history and to school libraries.  I gleaned bits of historical information from this read hitherto unknown to me.  Were they in my history texts while in school?  I don't know.  However, I found it quite informative.

"One Man with courage makes a majority."
--Andrew Jackson

Publisher:  Thomas Nelson  Publication Date:  July 17, 2012

ISBN:   9781595554543

DISCLOSURE:  I was provided a complimentary copy of Jackson: The Iron-Willed Commander by BookSneeze on behalf of the publisher Thomas Nelson and author in exchange or my honest review.

Mind Your Manners, Alice Roosevelt! by Leslie Kimmelman & Illustrated by Adam Gustavson: Book Review & Giveaway--WINNER CHOSEN & NOTIFIED

As  26th president of the United States, Teddy Roosevelt encountered many challenges in leading our nation.  However, his first child, daughter Alice, was quite the handful.  Obviously a precocious child full of high-strung energy, she was repeatedly involved in activities unlike those of her 1910 peers.  She was most UN-lady-like.  As President, Teddy Roosevelt managed to handle the affairs of State, but not the affairs of Alice.

"Mind Your Manners Alice Roosevelt!" is a delightful introductory "biography" for a child into the life of a really interesting person.  Teddy Roosevelt was a soldier, statesman, and president.  He was able to bring peaceful settlement between nations at war with each other and he was an early environmentalist.  But handling Alice was an entirely different matter.  Alice was involved in activities that gentle women simply did not do.  She drove an automobile and believed that women should enjoy equal rights as men.  She liked pets and even had a pet snake.

This short picture-biography about President Teddy Roosevelt and his daughter is based on actual stories about them and is beautifully and energetically illustrated by Adam Gustavson.  Author Leslie Kimmelman has presented this introductory bio in an engaging manner that will make the young reader thirst for more to read about both Teddy and Alice Roosevelt.

Recommendation:  Great historical fiction picture book for the home or school library and for ages 7 to 9.
Publisher:  Peachtree Publishers, 2009  ISBN:  978-1561454921

GIVEAWAY:  Peachtree Publisherss will mail 1 of Chat With Vera's readers their very own copy of Mind Your Manners, Alice Roosevelt!.  Open for USA only.  Easy entries:  Begins JULY 8 and ENDS July 24 at 12:00 Noon EDT.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me what child or children you would enjoy reading this book with.  Leave a comment with your email contact information.

Extra entry:  Tweet this post using the Tweet button at the end of the post and include the following: @PeachtreePub #GIVEAWAY.  Leave a comment with the Tweet link and your email contact information.  You may do this one daily for more entries.

Extra entry:  Share this post on other social media and backlink to this post.  Leave your social media share URL or link information in a comment.  Leave your email contact information, too.  Every different social media you share on counts as a separate entry.

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About the author: Leslie Kimmelman is a children's book editor and the author of a number of books for children, including Mind Your Manners, Alice Roosevelt!; Everybody Bonjours!; How Do I Love You?; and The Runaway Latkes. She and her family live in New York.

About the Illustrator: Adam Gustavson has illustrated sixteen books for children, including Mind Your Manners, Alice Roosevelt! and Snow Day!. He lives in New Jersey.

"Hush, Little Ones" by John Butler: Book Review & Giveaway: WINNER CHOSEN

This is a delightful board book designed for the very young child - ages 1 to 5.  It is perfect for young hands to hold, fondle, turn the pages, tote around the house, and sleep with.  Yes, I said sleep with.  Little ones who have this beautiful treasure of a book will want to cuddle up with the book as well as their own treasured stuffed animal.

As we open the book, we find mama bird settling her little ones down for the night.  

Hush, little ones, you sleepyheads,

Warm and safe in your own special beds.

Turn page after page and find beautifully drawn pictures of mother and father animals as they gather their little ones and gently nudge them into a sleepy mode for the evening's rest time.  Bunnies, monkeys, bears, lions, penguins all have a special, gentle way that they lull their little ones to sleep and gather them to safety.

Hush, little zebra, you'll be dozing soon,

By the light of the stars and the silvery moon.

About the author/illustrator:  John Butler is the author and illustrator of numerous books for children. He lives in England.

 

Publisher:  Peachtree Publishers   ISBN:  978-1-56145-297-2

GIVEAWAY:  Peachtree Publishers will mail 1 of Chat With Vera's readers their very own copy of Hush, Little Ones.  Open USA only.  Easy entries:  Begins JULY 6 and ENDS July 22 at 12:00 Noon EDT.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me what child or children you would enjoy reading this book with.  Leave a comment with your email contact information.

Extra entry:  Tweet this post using the Tweet button at the end of the post and include the following: @PeachtreePub #GIVEAWAY.  Leave a comment with the Tweet link and your email contact information.  You may do this one daily for more entries.

Extra entry:  Share this post on other social media and backlink to this post.  Leave your social media share URL or link information in a comment.  Leave your email contact information, too.  Every different social media you share on counts as a separate entry.
Extra entry:  "Follow" Chat With Vera via at least one of the options in right sidebar: networked blogs, GFC, or email subscriber.  Leave comment with email saying which you have done.  (Already follow? Just say so with your name)
DISCLOSURE:  Peachtree Publishers provided a complimentary copy to me without charge in order that I might render my honest opinion and review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Just Ducks! by Nicole Davies and Salvatore Rubbino: book review & GIVEAWAY--WINNER CHOSEN & NOTIFIED

This is a delightful picture book featuring Mallard ducks as they quack their way through the day with a little girl who awakens to their quacks.  This isn't really about the little girl - she is simply the witness of everything Just ducks!

The reader will learn why some ducks have louder quacks and how to tell a boy duck from a girl duck.  This is a "nature storybook" in that it tells a story but it has also informative bits about ducks throughout the book - factual information.  The story plot is in larger font than the bits of facts which are tucked into the sides and corners of the book's pages.

After the little girl goes through her day from waking with the ducks, feeding them, and seeing them settle down for the night (as she does the same), we realize we have learned quite a lot about Just ducks!

I think this book can be best understood by children - boys or girls - ages 4 through 7.  However, even younger children can begin to enjoy duck's quacks and adventures through the day as they, too, quack with the ducks.

I found the book interesting, informative, and appealing to the eyes in subdued colors complimentary to the coloration of the Mallard ducks themselves - greens, greys, browns.  The illustrations are "childlike" without a lot of structure but very appealing and sweet. I found the gentle nudging of factual information appealing and believe it presents a wonderful learning opportunity for the young child.  I recommend this to anyone desiring to read to children or to the young reader themselves - especially if they like Just Ducks!

GIVEAWAY:  Candlewick Press will mail 1 of Chat With Vera's readers their very own copy of JUST DUCKS!. Open USA only.  Easy entries:  Begins JULY 5 and ENDS July 20 at 12:00 Noon EDT.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me what child or children you would enjoy reading this book with.  Leave a comment with your email contact information.

Extra entry:  Tweet this post using the Tweet button at the end of the post and include the following: @Candlewick #GIVEAWAY.  Leave a comment with the Tweet link and your email contact information.  You may do this one daily for more entries.

Extra entry:  Share this post on other social media and backlink to this post.  Leave your social media share URL or link information in a comment.  Leave your email contact information, too.
Extra entry:  "Follow" Chat With Vera via at least one of the options in right sidebar: networked blogs, GFC, or email subscriber.  Leave comment with email saying which you have done.  (Already follow? Just say so with your name)

Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary copy of Just Ducks by the publisher Candlewick Press in exchange for my honest review.

"It's Raining Fish and Spiders" by Bill Evans: Book Review

My thoughts on the book:  As a meteorologist himself, Bill Evans, has a contagious enthusiasm for his venue and a love for kids - especially middle-schoolers - that spills over in his desire to teach and enthuse these kids with his own love for his specialty - the weather!

It's Raining Fish and Spiders is a treatise into the world of tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, droughts that will capture the attention of the most bored, uninterested, "I couldn't care less," middle-schooler. In fact, Bill Evans created this creative book for these kids because he wants them to understand and love the weather just as he does.  And, did I say, he loves the kids?

There is a bit about Mr. Evans and how he got his own start in broadcasting advancing to meteorologist for Eyewitness News on ABC in NYC.  There are adventures as he has been experiencing "the weather" at it's most interesting.

The "lessons" are presented as kid type questions or ponderings. "How are Tornados Born?" "What Makes a Snowstorm a Blizzard?" "Dude, Take It from 'Tommy Tsunami,' You Do Not Want to Catch That Wave!"  Kind-of get the picture now?  Yea!  It is written to entice kids.  They will have fun learning.

Experiments?  Yes, there are some "Try This at Home" featured at the end of the specific sections.

This book will be great as an addition for the classroom, the school library, the kid's shelf at home, for home-schoolers, and even for the average grown-up who wants to learn more about all that swirling, whirling, chilling, wet stuff we call "the weather." 

About the Book:  One of the things Bill Evans enjoys the most is talking to young people about weather. Middle-schoolers in particular, Evans says, are deeply interested in the natural world and in weather.

It’s Raining Fish and Spiders covers everything, from tornadoes and hurricanes to lightning and the different kinds of snowflakes. Evans addresses weather myths and facts, from “Can it really rain fish?” to “Will opening a window save my house during a tornado?”

Evans also tells his most exciting personal weather stories: flying with the Hurricane Hunters, riding pell-mell through Tornado Alley with storm chasers, and visiting the coldest place on Earth. The book includes simple weather experiments that can be performed at home without expensive equipment.

Extensively researched, fact-filled, and packed with charts, tables, illustrations, and amazing photographs, It’s Raining Fish and Spiders is an entertaining and educational addition to the library of anyone interested in weather, science, and the natural world.

About the author:  Bill Evans is a New York Times Bestselling author.   Bill Evans is a multiple Emmy Award-winning, nationally-renowned senior meteorologist. He has appeared on Good Morning America and Live! with Regis and Kelly. Evans has received the Outstanding Meteorologist Award from the National Weather Service and has hosted the National Hurricane Conference. Bill Evans and his family live in Connecticut.

Disclosure:  I was provided an autographed copy of It's Raining fish and Spiders to present to the middle-school students at Alamance Christian School for their learning enjoyment and enrichment.  I was not required to write a review or render a positive opinion.

The Gifted by Ann H. Gabhart (A Shaker novel): Book Review

This is my first encounter with a novel based on Shaker life.  The Shakers like the Amish hold a fascination with folks today because their beliefs and life styles are so vastly different from that which we are accustomed.  I was vaguely familiar with the beliefs of the Shakers and their strict separation of men and women.  But this book with it's authentically researched storyline was a true eye opener.

I found it difficult to read because of my feelings that it was just so wrong for people to give themselves so completely and without reservation to the Shaker belief system and life.  It is little wonder to me that the Shaker beliefs and communities have died out.  Now about this book.....

Jessamine Brady was taken to the Shaker village of Harmony Hill when she was but 10 years old because there was no where else for her to go and no one to care for her.  She was well cared for and taught the Shaker religious beliefs and way of life by the senior Sisters.  She struggled with memories of stories (make believe) that her Grandmother had told her and dreams of life outside of the Shaker village.  However, ­make believe was a sin as was any thought of the outside world.  Shaker community life consisted of work, prayer, food (in silence), sleep, and worship.  Nothing else was allowed.

Their worship consisted of learned dance steps that they did as a group basically separated - men on one side of the room and women on the other.  Stomping, fainting, whirling.

Jessamine was out in the woods with another Sister picking berries when they heard a gun and investigated.  They found a man from the outside world unconscious and with a head wound.  They took him back to Harmony Hill for care.  Thus Tristan Cooper enters the scene.  This opens the door to Jessamine to the outside world and the dreams from her past.

The book is lengthy (431 pages) and the internal struggles of Jessamine and descriptions of Shaker life are extensive.  To me it was sad.  I appreciated the dedication of the Shakers to their faith, but it was depressive to see such repression of thinking, expression, care.  There was actually evil contention (in my opinion) by Sisters against Jessamine for perceived sins.

Jessamine does get a taste of the world and the impact on her is difficult.  She sees worldly beauty, but she also gets to thoroughly enjoy the birds singing and the beauty of flowers and woods and clouds and sky - a sin to enjoy such in the Shaker community. 

Her heart is touched with emotions for Tristan that in Shaker life she must repress, but in the world she does not need to repress as a sin.  Will she be able to conform for a lifetime of Shaker life and its separation from the world or will she embrace her heart's feelings and be able to live in the World?

I enjoyed the book and the tender story.  I would recommend the book to anyone who desires a sweet story, an authentically research insight into Shaker life and beliefs, and a well-written book.

A Shaker village in Connecticut

 Information about Shakers:  http://www.shakerworkshops.com/resources/who-are-the-shakers

About the author:  Ann H. Gabhart lived near a restored Shaker village in Kentucky and has thoroughly research the material for this book in her Shaker life series.

Price:	$14.99
ISBN:	978-0-8007-3455-8

Publisher:  Revell - Release date:  July 2012

DISCLOSURE:  I was provide a complimentary copy of "The Gift" by Ann H. Gabart and Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group for the purpose of rendering my honest review and opinion.  No compensation was given.